Rolfes pours cold water on Xhaka exit: "No negotiations whatsoever" | OneFootball

Speaking to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Simon Rolfes effectively dismissed the idea of a possible Granit Xhaka departure this summer.

Bayer Leverkusen's managing director of sport gave clear and concise points on why the Swiss international remains integral to their plans:

“Let's stay fact-oriented. That sometimes helps in today's world. There was a lot of speculation about a supposed move to AC Milan, but there were no negotiations whatsoever.

“I told Granit after the last game of the season in Mainz that he remains an important player for us. That's the status quo,” he said.

Rolfes rubbished the argument that Erik ten Hag, who didn't call Xhaka immediately after his appointment, was a bad start for him:

“No. The boys are on vacation, and Granit has a contract with Leverkusen. All the players know when they have to come to training, and then it all begins.

"If I called every player every day while they were on vacation, they'd probably be annoyed. [...] I've never experienced a new coach calling the entire squad on the first day.

"The players know what our direction is and whether a coaching change will change anything.

"Therefore, they can and should take a vacation in peace and recharge their batteries. When they return, there will be plenty of time to have discussions, if necessary,” he explained.